By Nia Bender
Have you had COVID-19? If so, and you’ve recovered, you can help a soldier by stopping by Fort Carson and donating what’s called “convalescent plasma” as part of the armed services blood program’s annual blood drive. The only catch for some people is the fact that you have to have access to the base, meaning eligible donors are active duty service members, their family members, military retirees, and civil service employees.
Your donation will be used for the antibodies built up in your bloodstream and given to a soldier to boost their ability to better fight the virus. The Department of Defense set a goal to collect eight-to-ten thousand units of the plasma. They’re also in need of regular blood donations as well.
WHAT: Armed Services Blood Program Annual Blood Drive on Fort Carson
WHERE: Elkhorn Conference Center
WHEN: Tuesday, September 22 – Thursday, September 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
REQUIREMENTS: In general, a person must weigh at least 116 pounds, be at least 17 years old, have a valid form of identification, and have not been ill for at least three days beforehand.
